🔗 Share this article Canadian Cyclist Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Contract Ending Due to 'Personal Belief' Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive damages claim totaling €30 million from his former team, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his decision to terminate his agreement based on what he described as "personal beliefs." Race Exit and Key Motivations The 28-year-old, after placing fourth in the general classification at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left his team shortly before the Vuelta a España in September. That race experienced extensive pro-Palestinian protests connected with the conflict in Gaza. "I ended my agreement for valid reasons, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to continue performing their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts. He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after an irreparable relationship with the team principal, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and ethical perspective. These issues weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added. Official Stance and Legal Proceedings The team informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of the UCI, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for comment. Gee admitted that leaving the team left him without a contract or protection in case of injury, but stated this was a chance he was willing to take as he could no longer keep competing for the team. Massive Claim and Rebranding News "I recognize the team sees it differently," Gee continued. "However, I am now facing what is described as a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and a person." He shared that this situation reinforce his view that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement of branding changes and organizational adjustments. It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount during their racing years. In related news, the team announced on Monday that the team will undertake a full rebrand starting in 2026, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding following over ten years.